The Coordinate Graph – Complete Set is our new addition to the Montessori Math materials for upper elementary (ages 9-12) learners. The Complete Set consists of 60 Task Cards divided into 8 sections, reproducible charts, a workbook, and a wooden box for storage convenience.
A coordinate plane is a mathematical tool used to indicate and/or to locate an object. The ability to work with coordinate points can be used in concrete settings such as locating real objects in a space, or to predict trajectories in abstract settings. There are many ways to use coordinate points on a graph and we believe that offering Task Cards on the topic is essential in keeping children’s knowledge constant.
Children will need some prior knowledge of the descriptions of the coordinate plane, ordered pair, x-axis, y-axis, x coordinate, y coordinate, origin, and quadrants.
Charts and Task Cards
In The Coordinate Graph – Complete Set, we provide two types of blank charts: one chart contains a coordinate graph with numbered axes, the other chart contains a coordinate graph with both x and y axes, unlabeled.
You may provide paper copies to children or laminate a copy so that children can use a dry-erase marker to plot the coordinate points indicated on the The Coordinate Graph – Complete Set.
The Task Cards are divided into eight sections:
Section 1 – Children are given an ordered pair (3, -6) and plot points on the teacher-provided graph. A series of positive (3) and negative (-6) integers are offered so that children work within all quadrants of the graph. They are also asked to state in which quadrant the plotting point lies. A visual control of errors is provided on the back of each card making the work completely learner-centered.
Section 2 – In this section, children are given a graph with a plotted coordinate point, they must write the ordered pair for it. The answer is on the back of the cards.
Section 3 – In this section, children observe shapes on a graph and determine the coordinate points of each vertex, which are coordinate points. This way, they begin to develop awareness that plotting points are a geometry skill and begin to associate points labeled A, B, C, or D with geometrical forms. A visual control of errors is provided on the back of each card.
Section 4 – In this section, children plot multiple points which result in familiar shapes. The provided ordered pairs are preceded by a letter (A, B, B…). Positive and negative integers are being used. A visual control of errors is provided on the back of each card.
Section 5 – Children are beginning to collect data from a chart to plot coordinates. This is preparatory work for pre-algebra. The coordinate points are used outside an ordered pair (between parentheses) and are presented under labels “x-axis” and “y-axis” which will be useful for the next more advanced activities. A visual control of errors is provided on the back of each card.
Section 6 – This section is more advanced and should be presented in the third year of upper elementary (ages 11-12). Children will need to have experience with pre-algebra with letters as variables (a = 3). The section offers children an opportunity to do calculations for a given value such as: “For the equation y = 2x, calculate the x, y coordinates and plot the first three points on the graph.” Several values are given to x so that children deepen their knowledge of variables. A visual control of errors is provided on the back of each card.
Section 7 – In this section, children are invited to plug coordinate points in a given equation with variables. They must determine if the coordinate points would be a solution for the given equation. Ex: is the ordered pair a solution for y = 2x – 2? A detailed explanation is provided on the back of each card.
Section 8 – In this section, children work on real-life word problems where they apply their knowledge. This is an important step in the learning process where children understand how math applies in real life and helps them develop critical thinking and problem solving, higher thinking processes.
Workbook
Finally, when children have had enough practice with the Coordinate Graph – Task Cards, they will enjoy working independently on the corresponding Coordinate Graph – Workbook. The Workbook is reproducible and contains 23 pages. In the first section, children read a plotted graph and answer a series of questions: “What is the coordinate of point A? In which quadrant does point A lie?” In the second section, children plot given coordinate points in a graph.
With our new The Coordinate Graph – Complete Set, you can be certain that children will develop a long-lasting understanding of coordinate points and begin to work with algebraic equation. For more advanced Montessori math materials, visit our website at www.alisonsmontessori.com.
